Jet device for washing machines



July 17, 1934. WEBB 7 1,966,572

JET DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES Filed July 29, 1932 k g )7 /5 f /6 3 Zita T n 20 20 :35 x; 55m xm x (11% d d g -also made cleaningmore diflicult. ance with the present invention I am enabled to retain the advantages incident to a simple.

Patented July17, 1934 JET DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES George Webb, West Hartford, Conn., assignor to Colt's Patent Fire Arms Manufacturing 00., Hartford, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application July 29, 1932, Serial No. 625,669 1501mm. ((1299- 104) In jet or spray devices for machines for washing dishes and similar articles it has heretofore been common practice to provide a tubular pipe or duct having circular holes or transverse slots along one side thereof for the purpose of directing jets or sprays of'liquid under pressure against the dishes or other articles to be washed. Jet devices of this general character have in many instances been unsatisfactory for the reason that it has been impossible to properly control the shape or pattern of the jet and also difllcult to predetermine its direction. It is ordinarily desirable to have a fan-shaped jet so positioned that its center line is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pipe or duct. However, it has heretofore been diflicult to obtain this condition for the reason that the liquid within the duct has approached the respective jet orifices in various uncontrolled directions. The longitudinal flow of the liquid through the duct has been a particularly disturbing factor as it has tended to cause the jets to be positioned otherwise than substantially perpendicular to the axis of the duct.. v

To avoid the before-mentioned difllculties extensive use has been made of jet or spray devices which are specially shaped adjacent the orifices so as to more or less counteract or eliminate the tendencies referred to.

volved considerable additional expense and has In accordpipe with jet orifices formed directly therein and to at the same time provide properly controlled and directed jets or sprays equal or superior in their characteristics to those obtained with the,aforesaid more complicated and expensive jet devices. In accordance with the invention I am'furthermore enabled to provide a device which can be very readily cleaned.

In the accompanying drawing I have shown one principal embodiment of the invention and also an alternative embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that the drawing is intended for illustrative purposes only and is not to be construed as defining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for. that purpose.

Of the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary transverse sectional view of a dish washing machine having incoran alternative embodiment of the invention.

This has inleast one and preferably av plurality of jet oriporated therein Jet devices embodying the'invention.

' Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the lower jet device shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 isa left end view of the jet device shown in Fig. 2. I

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the jet device shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side view showing the directions'of flow of the liquid.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view showing thedirections of flow of the liquid.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 3, but showing the central plate partly removed.

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but showing Fig. 1 of the drawing illustrates one form of dish washing machine in which may be used a jet device incorporating the invention. It will be understood, however, that the invention is by no means limited to a dish washing machine of any particular type and that as to the said machine there may be wide variation. The machine as shown comprises a main casing 1 having a conveyor mechanism 2, 2 therein for carrying longitudinally through the machine a dish rack such as A. Positioned respectively above and below the conveyor are jetdevices 3 and 4- adapted to receive liquid under pressure from a supply pipe 5. The liquid is dis' tributed to the jet devices through suitable pipes and manifolds which are not shown in detail as they do not of themselves constitute any part of the present invention. The jet devices 3 and 4 are detachably held in place by means of clamping rings 6 and 7. V

In Figs. 2 to 7 I have shown in detail the lower jet device 4 and it will be understood that the upper jet device 3 may be similar in construction, but inverted in position if desired. The lower jet device 4 comprises a tubular pipe or duct 8 which forthe sake of economy and.convenience is of uniform diameter throughout. The duct is open at one end for connection with the liquid supply means as already described, and it is preferably closed at the opposite end by means of a cap or closure 9. Adjacent its open end it is provided with a pin or stud 8 for locating it in proper position with respect to the clamping ring. The duct 8 has therein at flees 10, 10, these orifices being positioned along one side of, the duct and being longitudinally spaced preferably uniformly. The shape of the ducts 10, 10 may be varied, but I prefer and no have shown elongated slots arranged diagonally with respect to the axis of the duct.

If the jet device consisted only of the duct 8 with the orifices 10, 10 therein, the jets delivered from the said orifices would not be satisfactory as to either shape or position as fiow of liquid to the said orifices ,within the duct would be entirely without control as to direction. In accordance with the invention I provide means within the duct and spaced from the said orifices for preventing longitudinal fiow of liquid through that portion of the duct adjacent the orifices and for directing the liquid transversely of the duct toward the orifices.

The means for controlling the flow within the duct preferably comprises a centrally disposed longitudinal plate 11 which serves to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections 12 and 13. The said orifices 10, 10 communicate with the section 12 and longitudinal flow of liquid through this section is prevented. To this end the plate 11 preferably abuts at its outer or right hand end directly against the closure 9. At its inner or left hand end there is provided a means for closing the end of the section 12 and preferably this means consists of an integral extension 14 formed on the plate 11. As shown the said extension 14 is at an angle of approximately :45 to the plate 11, but this is not essential. The section 13 is entirely open at the left hand end and is, therefore, in direct communication with the liquid supply means when the jet device is in place.

The plate 11 is provided with openings therein to permit the liquid to flow from the section 13 into the section 12. These openings may be varied as to shape, position and spacing, and their primary purpose is to permit the liquid to flow substantially transversely from the duct section 13 into and across the duct section 12. Thus the flow of liquid to the orifices 10, 10 is positively controlled and the shapes and positions of the resultant jets can be accurately predetermined and closely maintained.

Instead of providing only a single longitudinal series of openings in the plate 11 I prefer to provide two such series spaced apart transversely. For convenience the openings of the two series may be in the form of notches 15, 15 and 16, 16 formed in the respective edges of the plate. It will be understood, however, that I do not limit myself to notches as it is obviously possible to provide two transversely spaced longitudinal series of openings which are positioned otherwise than at the extreme edges of the plate. Preferably the openings or notches of each series correspond in number to the jet orifices 10, 10 and are similarly spaced.

It is sometimes preferable to have the center lines of the jets inclined away from exact perpendicular relationship to the pipe or duct. When this is desired the openings in the plate such as 15, 15 and 16, 16 are offset longitudinally with respect to the corresponding jet orifices as shown in the drawing. With a washing machine such as shown in Fig. 1 it may be preferable to have the jet devices at one side of the longitudinal central plane of the machine inclined in one direction and to have the jet devices at the other side of the said longitudinal central plane inclined in the opposite direction. In order that this may be effected the openings or notches 15, 16 at the left of the central plane are offset toward the right and the notches 15,

16 at the right of the central plane are offset toward the left.

In order that the directions of flow of the liquid may be more clearly understood I have shown in Fig. 5 a fragmentary view of the central portion of the spray device 4 and have indicated thereon by arrows the approximate directions of movement of the liquid. It will be apparent that the two jets or sprays that are shown are inclined oppositely away from the center line. For the sake of clarity the center lines of the two jets are indicated by dot-anddash lines. In Fig. 6 which is a cross sectional view of the jet device 4 I have also indicated the approximate directions of flow of the liquid. It will be apparent that the liquid approaches the jet orifice 10 in two directions, this contributing to the fan-like shape of the jet as indicated.

The plate 11 may be permanently secured in place in the pipe or duct 8, but I prefer to makev it readily removable in order to facilitate cleaning not only of the plate itself but also of the interior of the duct. Preferably the width of the plate is approximately the same as the interior diameter of the duct and it will, therefore, be apparent that when the plate is in place it is held against transverse movement by reason of its direct engagement with the interior surface of the duct. Obviously it can be freely removed through the open end of the duct at any time. To facilitate removal I preferably provide a handle 17 which is shown as being in the form of a wire loop extending through holes in the extension 14 and secured by soldering or otherwise to the upper surface of the main plate.

In order that the plate 11 may be positioned and held in proper relationship to the orifices 10, 10 I preferably provide means in the duct engaging the said plate to prevent it from being turned angularly. Preferably this means comprises a pin 18 extending transversely entirely across the duct. This pin not only prevents the plate from being turned within the duct, but it prevents it from being inserted in any position except the correct one. The plate 11 has an upturned flange 19 at its outer end and obviously if an attempt were made to insert the plate in an inverted position the flange 19 would engage the pin 18 and prevent such insertion.

While it is ordinarily preferable to provide two transversely spaced series of openings in the plate 11 as already described it may under some circumstances be suflicient to provide only a single series of centrally located openings, such as the openings 20, 20 shown in Fig. 8. The construction shown in Fig. 8 is otherwise similar to that already described and repetition of the description is unnecessary.

What I claim is:

1. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a series of longitudinally spaced jet orifices along one side thereof, and means in the duct substantially enclosing a section thereof at the side at which the orifices are located, the said means having two series of openings therein which are substantially spaced apart transversely so as to cause the liquid to flow transversely in two directions to the respective orifices and the said means being otherwise imperforate.

2. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a straight tubular duct having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein ings therein and and open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means, a closure for the opposite end of the duct, and a longitudinal plate in the duct having a longitudinal series of openings therein and serving to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections, the said plate abutting at one end against the said closure and having at the other end a transverse extension for closing the corersponding end of that section of the duct. with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

3. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection 'to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct freely removable through the open end thereof and having its width approximating the inside diameter of the duct, the said plate having. a longitudinal series of openings therein and serving to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections, and means for closing the 25 3 ends of that section with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

4. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct freely removable through the open end thereof, the said plate having a longitudinal series of openserving to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections, means on the duct engaging the removable plate to locate it in predetermined angular relationship to the jet orifices, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through; the openings in the plate.

5. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in 'the duct freely removable through the open end thereof and having its width approximating the inside diameter of the duct, the said plate having a longitudinal series of openings therein and serving to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections, an inward projecting lo-' cating element in the duct engaging the plate to prevent angular movement thereof, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

6. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct freely removable through the. open end thereof and having its width approximating the inside diameter of the duct, the said plate having a longitudinal series of openings therein and serving to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections, a transverse pin extending entirely across the duct to prevent positioning of the plate in'an incorrect position, and means for closing th ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

7. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means, a closure for the opposite end of the duct, and a longitudinal plate in the duct freely removable through the open end thereof and having a longitudinal series of openings therein, the said plate serving to divide the said duct into two adjacent longitudinal sections and abutting at one end against the said closure and the said plate having at the other end an extension for closing the corresponding end of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate, and a handle at the last said (end of the plate engaging the said extension thereof.

8. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a series of longitudinally spaced jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjacent longitudinal sections and having therein a longitudinal series of openings corresponding in number to the jet orifices, the said plate openings being spaced similarly to the jet orifices but being longitudinally offset therefrom, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

9. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a series of longitudinally spaced jet. orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjacent longitudinal sections and having therein a longitudinal series of openings corresponding in number to the jet orifices, the said plate openings being spaced similarly to the jet orifices but with some of them longitudinally offset therefrom in one direction and others of them longitudinally offset therefrom in the opposite direction, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

10. For a washing machine, a jet device'comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orificestherein, a longitudinal plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjacent longitudinal sections, the said plate having two longitudinal series of openings therein which are substantially spaced apart transversely andthe said plate being otherwise imperforate, and means for closing the ends of that section of the diict with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the said openings in the plate.

11. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal "plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjace t longitudinal sections and having two longitudinal series of notches in the respective edges thereof, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the notches in the edges of the plate.

l2.'For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjacent longitudinal sections and having two longitudinal series of openings therein and being otherwise imperforate, the openings of each series corresponding in number to the jet orifices and being similarly spaced longitudinally and the two series of openings being substantially spaced apart transversely, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the said openings in the plate.

13. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjacent longitudinal sections and having two transversely spaced longitudinal series of openings therein, the openings of each series corresponding in number to the jet orifices and being similarly spaced but oflset therefrom, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the said openings in the plate.

14. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a longitudinal series of jet orifices therein, a longitudinal plate in the duct serving to divide it into two adjacent longitudinal sections and having two transversely spaced longitudinal series of openings therein, the openings of each series corresponding in number to the jet orifices and being spaced similarly to the jet orifices but with some of them longitudinally offset therefrom in one direction and others of them longitudinally olTset therefrom in the opposite direction, and means for closing the ends of that section of the duct with which the jet orifices communicate so as to prevent liquid from entering the said section except through the openings in the plate.

15. For a washing machine, a jet device comprising in combination, a tubular duct open at one end for connection to a liquid supply means and having a series of longitudinally spaced jet orifices along one side thereof, each of the said jet orifices being elongated diagonally with respect to the axis of the duct, and means in the duct substantially enclosing a section thereof at the side at which the orifices are located, the said means having two series of openings therein which are substantially spaced apart transversely so as to cause the liquid to flow transversely in two directions to the respective orifices and the said means being otherwise imperforate.

. GEORGE WEBB. 

